In the world of precious stones, it is common to reference auction prices. Not because they represent the highest prices paid, for they don’t; the finest gems generally trade hands in private sales at prices above the auction market. We reference them because the auction scene is an open reflection of the world gem market.

Unlike real estate, gems can and do travel, and therefore have a worldwide value. While auction prices do not always accurately reflect the market (due to bidding wars, etc.), they are public, and thus useful for those wishing to better understand prices. But they are not the only tool. Prospective buyers should not just visit auctions, but also the offices of dealers and jewelers. Dip your spoons into as many bowls as possible. In this way readers will begin to develop a taste for pricing.

What follows is a listing of auction price records for ruby and sapphire. We started tracking this data in the mid-1990's while working on Ruby & Sapphire (1997) and have continued to maintain it at Ruby-Sapphire.com, including information with our latest book Ruby & Sapphire: A Collector's Guide (2014). Unless stated otherwise, all prices are US dollars.

Per carat auction records for ruby and sapphire as of October 2015. Click on the diagram for a larger image.

This lovely matched pair of rubies (14.54 and 13.12 ct) set a new auction per carat and total price record for Mozambique ruby at Tiancheng International's 3 Dec. 2017 sale in Hong Kong. They featured a Lotus Gemology report. Photo: Tiancheng International.

Ruby Auction Records (in US$)

Name, weight & description

Sale Location

Price realized

Origin

Reference

Sunrise Ruby
25.59 ct; faceted, cushion shape; Cartier ring.Auction record per carat and total price for a single ruby